Part
3 - Scale Details & FinishingThe
windows should be test fitted and trimmed as required. The main front
screen fitted perfectly but all the others needed trimming. They are all
tinted but there is an optional clear set available at around £28,
should you wish to fit a scale cockpit set. The engine covers and dummy
jet outlets should also be cut out, trimmed and test fitted. When your
happy with the fit put them to one side, as they will be fitted after
painting.

At
this point you need to decide on the colours for the model, there are
plenty of full size examples to choose from or you could go your own way.
I decided on the Devon Air Ambulance as I had some photos for reference
and being almost all red it was a fairly simple paint job. The model was
rubbed down using 600 wet 'n' dry used wet. It was then sprayed with 4
coats of Flair enamel, a tip when using spray cans, especially in colder
conditions, is to warm them up in hot water before use as this makes the
paint flow better and gives a finer spray.

The
dummy jet outlets were sprayed with gold paint and while still wet the
silver paint was sprayed very lightly. Once this was dry matt black was
applied using foam sponge to give the illusion of exhaust carbon.

John
Bowden Graphics supplied the lettering in stick on alphabet sheets available
in various sizes and colours. The other logos were made by taking digital
photos of the full size, scaling down on computer and printing on to self
adhesive paper, once stuck on they were coated with clear varnish. The
stripes were cut from Solartrim.

Aerials,
door handles and the windscreen wiper are from Vario and are fitted by
drilling a small hole and fixing with slow cyano. The landing light and
search light are Mag torches which have the back section cut off and are
connected to nicad packs via an electronic switch. They are a bit bigger
than scale size but they can be clearly seen in flight.

The
cockpit area was made using a light ply base with balsa for the seats
and instrument panel, again not exact scale but loosely based on photos
of the full sized. Pete's Pilots supplied the pilot and paramedic. The
whole thing can be removed for access by undoing four screws.

I
have painted the main blades one black and one white to give the illusion
of a lower head speed, which is much more realistic than the true model
head speed of 1650 rpm. They were balanced after painting of course.

The
model flies well and looks great in the air making it all worth the effort.
Maybe I'll build another scale model in the summer.